Consign to Oblivion

15. I take a step, You take a step

"How could you be so careless?", Shaurya yelled at Mehek's nurse. The poor women, freshly pulled out of her deep slumber, shivered while being unable to come with a proper response. "If you can't do your job then just leave", he was on the verge of firing her when Jeevan stepped in. Without wasting another moment, she ran away fearing for her life as soon as Jeevan gestured her to leave. 

"She is incompetent", Shaurya fumed, "I want her to be out morning itself". "She is good nurse, This is her first mishap", Jeevan reasoned, "besides Mehek has gotten pretty comfortable with her". "Why are you defending a tardy nurse?", Shaurya was still angry. "Because it is not just her fault. We all are, including Mehek. None of us managed to convince her, while she remained stubborn not to eat dinner or take her medicines till you arrive", Jeevan hesitated, "a bit of responsibility lies on your shoulder also".

Shaurya threw a pointed look at Jeevan, clearly displeased by his accusation. "Mehek was really excited to go out with you. She got ready so early and was waiting for you", Jeevan explained, "If you were so busy, why did make plans?", he rebuked him. Shaurya tried to justify but he was not in a mood to listen to him, "you should have informed Mehek that you are busy or at least asked your assistant to inform. Poor girl, she kept on trying to reach you while receiving same reply that you are busy". "I... I...", Shaurya was tongue tied. He wanted to disappoint her but not to the extend to make her sick again. "I am sorry", he apologised because he was unable to comprehend anything else.

Jeevan made Shaurya sit down. He wanted talk to him peacefully. "Shaurya, I totally understand. You are a successful man with a busy life. I also know that you love Mehek a lot because I have seen you care & concern while she was asleep", he paused to give Shaurya some time to absorb his thoughts, "But she no longer in coma. She is awake. Unlike before, she is able feel and think. Undoubtedly, she needs you more. You have to give her time, your undivided attention", he advised him carefully, "we both know she is still not completely recovered". Both men recalled Dr. Malhotra's words. "You don't want to lose her, do you?", a hint of anxiety brimmed in Jeevan's words. He was a bit pacified when Shaurya shook his head, "I don't"

Jeevan had noticed that Shaurya has been acting weird around Mehek since she woke up from coma. None expected them to jump back to being normal but somehow his attitude made Jeevan anxious for both Shaurya and Mehek. "I know it is not easy for you", he consoled Shaurya, "Your marriage was on the rocks before her accident. Then she has been passive for long. Despite her faults, you loved and took care of her while she was unwell. But now when she is awake, you are confused how to interact with her". Shaurya sighed hearing Uncle's words. He was not wrong. It was difficult to deal with Mehek even when he decided his mission was to make her life miserable. The Mehek amidst them now is not the same arrogant spoilt heiress. Now she is naïve and pure; just like the child he had known before. However he cannot forget her past deeds that screamed her vile character.

"It is difficult", Shaurya spoke after some moments of pause. Jeevan nodded, as if understanding his predicament. "It is difficult for Mehek as well", Jeevan pointed out, "she clueless. And indisposed.  Often being hard on herself to make sense of her situation. But I can see that she is trying. Perhaps trying her best to make amends, even without knowing about her mistakes". Her sins. Shaurya wanted to scream but kept quiet. "Why don't consider it as new beginning and start afresh?", Jeevan suggested but didn't push further. He knew it was easy to preach but difficult to practice. "Think about it, Son. I want both of you live happily, especially you", he patted Shaurya's shoulder before leaving him alone.

Mehek slowly peered her eyes open. "How are you feeling?", she turned to Shaurya, listening to his voice. "Better", she spoke slight being embarrassed. He adjusted her pillow while helping her to sit. "Have it", he brought a glass of water for her. She obediently took it from him. After taking few sips, she managed to peek at the clock. "Aren't you getting late for office?", she asked timidly once she realised that it was past his time to leave for office. "I am not going today", he smirked, "You wanted to punish me for not coming, didn't you? Aren't you happy that you achieved your goal?". She shook her head, trying to speak but he refused to let her. "Memory loss or not, you are still the same Mehek. Utterly selfish and stubborn. Never caring a bit about others but only living for herself. When will you even try to change a bit, Mehek?", he asked her angrily yet earnestly. The stunt she pulled last night had shook him to core.

"Shaurya, I am sorry", Mehek apologised but he shushed her angrily. "No. Don't apologize before knowing our truth. Today, i am going to tell you everything and you need to listen", he took a momentary pause before uttering their bitter truth, "Our marriage was a sham. We both were forced by your father", his revealed without mercy, "Despite equally suffering, you always vindicated me. In past, I endured them all but not anymore", his words shocked her, "I don't have to bear your torment. Let's get divorced". 

Mehek refused vigorously. Yet Shaurya continued, "Don't worry about money. You will get everything your father had left for your with me. Plus I will give you ample alimony. You will be able to live your life in luxury without any limitations", he added to mock her, "Just the way you always wanted". He was about to walk away but she grabbed his wrist in both her hands. "No, I don't want anything. I just want you", she held him closer, "please don't leave me".

Shaurya got frustrated. After much deliberation and thoughts, he came to decision to give up his revenge ,there by ending marriage after telling her the truth. It was wise to end his vengeful plan which seems to be destroying everything around him and himself. But now Mehek was not ready to leave him. He forcefully unwrapped her hands from him before pushing her softly. Her touch was burning him. While tears streaked her cheeks, he seemed to unmoved. "It's for the best", he spoke decisively, "once you regain you memories, you will understand". "I don't want those memories which will tear us apart", she spoke tearfully. "We were never together, Mehek", he shouted at her, "there was no us"

Mehek stood back dubiously. "How can you say such absurdity? You took care of me all these years", she accused him vehemently, "it is impossible that you don't have feelings for me". Shaurya took a deep breath, trying hard not to lose his cool. Inspite of his resolution to end their relationship, he was not ready to show her all his cards. Her brattish behaviour from last night made him even suspect whether she is faking her condition. He couldn't risk to let her know about his revenge. His silence irked her more, "Perhaps you are not sure about yourself. But I know that I love you", she spoke with conviction, "my feelings are true". "It is not Love, Mehek", he finally spoke to put some sense into her, "it is just gratitude. You just feel indebted to me for all those years while you were in coma. You are tying to relive a fairy tale which someone narrated to you. But neither are you a sleeping beauty nor I am your prince charming". He promised himself to deal with Mehek in most rationale way but she was making it difficult. "You don't owe me anything. In truth, I am indebted to your father. I took care of you out of duty towards him. So let's call ourselves even and part ways".

"Shaurya, please don't do this to us. We need a chance", Mehek pled him emotionally, "just give us some time. An year". He disagreed vehemently. "A month, then", she was not ready to give up, "let's try to give ourself a second chance this month". He was skeptical but didn't seem another way to sort out their situation. "I will try my best to make us work. I request you please forget our past to give ourselves another chance", she continued to beg him, "You don't have to do anything more. All I implore is not to step away from me while I take a step closer to you".

Shaurya wasn't convinced yet failed to refute. Mayhap, it was for the best, he thought. Failure at the end of all her whole hearted efforts, will force her to acknowledge the truth.  It may be the best pay back for Mehek. Along with a  meaningful closure for his revenge. Then they can close their chapter and move on with their lives. "Fine", he agreed, still reluctant, "one more month more for us".